How tall can a privacy fence be

If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. Generally, you will need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or add to a fence, wall or gate that would be over 1 metre high AND next to a highway used by vehicles or the footpath of such a highway ; OR over 2 metres high elsewhere.

However, this is subject to individual restrictions, such as if the boundary adjoins the land of a listed building. Therefore, make sure you check your plot limitations. If you want to build higher than the rule of thumb, check your local planning office rules as in most areas you will need planning permission. Be aware that the height is calculated from your ground level. If you are erecting a fence where one has not been before, or dramatically changing the height of your boundary, it is common courtesy to let your neighbour know beforehand.

Now you know how tall your fence can be, you might want to think about how tall it should be. It all depends on the role you want for your fence.

For the ultimate in security and privacy, a 6ft fence panel will do the job. Larger dog breeds may need a fence height between four and six feet—or even north of that depending on the breed. German Shepherds, for instance, are quite agile jumpers and would more than likely need at least a six-foot fence to contain them.

The same thing applies to deer and other larger critters. A fence for smaller animals like chickens or rabbits would not need to be incredibly tall. However, the fence should extend at least six inches in the ground to deter burrowing. For pools, many municipal codes require a specific fence height.

Your fence height will largely be based upon that. The standard height for a wood fence is 6 feet for a privacy fence, and 4 feet for a decorative one.

In many municipalities, six feet is the maximum height for a backyard fence, while a 4-foot fence may be used in front of your home.

One reason front yard fences are smaller is because taller fences can block the sightlines of cars, creating blind corners at intersections and putting children and pets in danger. You need planning permission if your fence height including trellis exceeds 2 metres 6. If your fence height is higher that 1 metre 3. One of the most popular ways to add height to a fence is to add trellis. A fence topper is an easy choice as it is specifically designed to sit atop your current fence.

Most fence toppers are 1ft or 2ft pieces of trellis measuring 6ft in length to fit the whole width of the fence. Can my neighbour attach or nail things to my fence?

If you own the fence and you have not granted your neighbour permission to do so, they are not allowed to attach or nail things to your fence. In the absence of a view ordinance or an easement, you may be able to show that your neighbor planted the tree or refused to trim it , built the fence, or was responsible for some other obstruction to deliberately and maliciously block your view.